FAQs

This is not a problem at all! Novice players can join Friday's group where they will learn the basic moves, the chess board layout, and everything they need to start playing chess. We welcome complete beginners and ensure they have a solid foundation before progressing.

We don't offer trial sessions, but instead have a Starter Pack specially designed to give new members the best possible introduction to chess. The Starter Pack costs £20 and includes study materials, fun chess goodies, and resources that will be useful even if your child doesn't continue with the club. If your child decides to continue after the starter pack, we'll apply a £20 discount to their first term's membership — making the starter pack completely free. It's our way of ensuring every child gets a meaningful start in chess with no pressure to commit long-term.

Absolutely! We have a very high success rate in coaching children who appear to be prone to more physical activity. In many cases, this is not true — they are simply being kids! Once children settle down and are challenged to think, many respond positively and find chess helps them to concentrate and hone new thinking skills.

Students don't need to bring anything — we supply all the equipment including chess boards, pieces and clocks. Optionally, they can bring a notebook and pen to take notes.

No, nothing could be further from the truth. If anything, children are more ready for physical activity after they have been playing chess. Noticeably, children who then participate in physical activity use their brains to better effect, due to the strategic and tactical awareness gained by playing chess. In turn, this helps them to prioritise better routines between physical and mental activity.